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24 Nail Designs That Are So Perfect for Summer
When the weather gets warm, your nail art can get sunnier, too.
Stars! Tie-dye! Watermelons! Your nails are ready to play in the summer sun.
Sprinkles Ahoy
One part cute and two parts fun, this delightful ice cream manicure looks good enough to eat. Not only does it show off your sweet side, it looks totally elegant on long, uniform nails.
Sunny Days
Sunny yellow may not be the first shade you reach for when doing your nails, but a funky negative space manicure like this one could make you warm up to a canary color.
Stacked 'Scream
On top of being a seriously pretty shade of pink, this cool mani features an accent nail that's three-dimensional. Have you ever seen a better use of the stiletto nail shade? Neither have we.
On the Flip Side
The top of your nails aren't the only part you can paint — your undersides can be incorporated, too! Play it cool and neutral in a nude nail color on top, then add a bright tangerine shade to the underside.
Chevron Chic
Elongate short nails and make use of all your favorite polishes with a cool, '70s-inspired chevron design that stacks up different shades.
We All Scream
What says "summer" more than ice cream? Answer: Nothing! When the weather gets warm, opt for a manicure that's good enough to eat.
Zig-Zag Swag
Why pick one pattern when you can do three — or one color when you can do five? Take your nail art to the next level with a complex mani that's totally worth a little extra time.
Neon Delight
Minty green middles, tickle-me-pink tips, and negative space moons make this bright, bold manicure a winner all around.
Pastel Pieces
This geometric design is totally modern, but the muted shades keep it from looking over the top.
All Swirled Up
Reminiscent of an ice-cold blue, raspberry, and cherry combo Slurpie, this wavy nail art is so perfect for warm weather.
Summer Stripes
This mani may look complicated, but it just takes a little patience and a steady hand — or at least a bit of striping tape. Swap the colors for other shades throughout the summer to match all your favorite outfits and special occasions.
Triple Triangles
You've seen plenty of reverse French tip manis, but this one trades the typical oval-shapes or circular moons for a zig-zag design instead — and uses four gorgeous summer shades to boot.
Tie-Dye Tips
Stripes are fun, but trying to make them absolutely perfect can feel a little rigid for summer. Take a break from straight lines and try this cute tie-dye manicure instead.
Road Trip
Show off your love for traveling with this vintage road map design. Don't worry if it looks complicated — the design isn't freehanded. All you need is white polish, clear polish, rubbing alcohol, and a map.
Melon Moons
What could be better than a cool slice of watermelon on a hot summer day? Watermelon nail art, of course. Impress your friends with this adorable look that makes your hands stand out.
Star of the Show
Combine your patriotism and your love for nail art with this ultra-cool ombre stenciled star tutorial.
Purple Palms
Palm tree nail art can look cartoonish, but when you use a delicate pastel base color and make your trees a chic shade of purple, they look more sophisticated and fun.
Delicate Dots
Summer nail art doesn't have to be bright to make a big impact. This blush-colored polish is pretty on its own, but the white dots around the edges make it really pop.
Going Bananas
Andy Warhol (and Curious George) would definitely approve of these bold pop art banana nails.
Blocked Off
If you want to play with multiple shades that work day or night, go for this color blocked nail art. If these summer brights are too wild for you, trade them in for three shades that all belong to the same color family — for example, baby blue, cerulean, and navy.
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